Characteristics of smell and taste disorders depending on etiology: a retrospective study.

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of etiology on the epidemiologic profile, disease severity, type of treatment and therapy outcome in smell and taste disorders.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 270 patients that presented with a smell or taste disorder in a specialized, tertiary care center. An established questionnaire was used to collect data from patients and physicians.

Total versus subtotal tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis - a prospective randomized noninferiority clinical trial.

For many years experts have called for randomized controlled trials to resolve the question whether tonsillectomy, which is associated with significant comorbidity, can be replaced by partial tonsillectomy in patients with recurrent tonsillitis. To find out whether subtotal tonsillectomy is a suitable therapeutic alternative to total tonsillectomy in adult patients with recurrent episodes of acute tonsillitis. - Single-blind prospective non-inferiority randomized clinical trial with intraindividual design.

Influence of coupler size on revision rate and timing of revision after free flap tissue transfer in the head and neck.

Objective: Microvascular coupler devices have been proven an effective alternative to standard hand-sutured anastomoses in reconstructive surgery. Until now, the influence of the coupler size on the revision rate after free flap tissue transfer in head and neck surgery has not been investigated. Neither has its influence on the timing of venous revisions.

Prevalence of Headache in Cochlear Implant Patients: A Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: In Internet forums and other social media many reports regarding chronic headaches after cochlear implantation can be found. Although quite rare, there are also some reports in the literature. However, little is known regarding the true prevalence of headaches in persons who have undergone cochlear implant surgery.

The development of an ICF-based clinical guideline and screening tool for the standardized assessment and evaluation of functioning after head and neck cancer treatment.

The assessment and evaluation of functioning and quality of life after tumor treatment in head and neck cancer (HNC) are considered as essential aspects of clinical routine and studies. A huge number of instruments are available that have been designed to evaluate functioning and quality of life after HNC treatment. The diversity of these instruments in terms of content, response options and administration hinders the comparability of available studies and the performance of meta-analyses.

Residual Hearing Outcomes After Cochlear Implant Surgery Using Ultra-flexible 28-mm Electrodes.

Objective: To evaluate the preservation of low frequency residual hearing after cochlear implant surgery using an electrode for atraumatic implantation and complete cochlear stimulation.

Study Design: Retrospective clinical record study.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Clinical impact of malnutrition on complication rate and length of stay in elective ENT patients: a prospective cohort study.

Malnutrition is considered as an independent risk factor for morbidity, mortality and a prolonged hospital stay for in-hospital patients. While most available data on the impact of malnutrition on health-related and financial implications refer to gastroenterologic or abdominal surgery patients, little is known about the impact of malnutrition on Ear Nose Throat (ENT)/head and neck surgery patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of malnutrition on morbidity and length of hospital stay in an elective ENT/head and neck surgery patient cohort.

Diode laser versus radiofrequency treatment of the inferior turbinate - a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Laser and radiofrequency induced volume reduction of the inferior turbinates are frequently used treatment modalities. Which of both is superior, however, is not clear to date due to a lack of controlled prospective studies. Here, we compare both methods regarding improvement of nasal breathing, complications, patient comfort and wound healing.

High-resolution computed tomography-based length assessments of the cochlea--an accuracy evaluation.

Conclusion: The length of the cochlea can be determined with good precision using a 3D-curved multiplanar reconstruction analysis technique and linear reconstruction of the cochlea. The method is not time-consuming and can be applied during clinical routine.

Objective: A preoperative prediction of the best cochlear implant electrode length can help reduce the risk of intraoperative cochlear trauma in patients who need to retain residual acoustic hearing for electric-acoustic stimulation or in patients with anatomical anomalies or malformations.

Complex level alterations of the 2f(1)-f(2) distortion product due to hypoxia.

Objective: For diagnostic purposes and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of inner ear hearing disorders it would be of great interest to have parameters available that indicate inner ear hypoxia. In animal studies typical hypoxia-related alterations of the 2f1-f2 distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) such as a reversible level decrease and destabilization could be demonstrated. The goal of this study was to investigate whether these hypoxia-associated alterations can also be observed in humans because this might help develop a new diagnostic tool for patients with inner ear disorders.

Comparison of characteristics of titanium and fluoroplastic ventilation tubes in adults with healthy middle ears.

Introduction: Most clinical studies on adverse effects and extrusion rates of tympanostomy tubes have been conducted with children undergoing treatment because of recurrent acute otitis media or chronic otitis media with effusion. Little is known, however, about post tympanostomy complications and extrusion rates in healthy middle ears. In this study, we analyzed extrusion rates and adverse effects of fluoroplastic, titanium, and gold ventilation tubes of different sizes in adult patients with Ménière's disease.